Netflix falls in behind Blu-ray

Will discontinue HD DVD

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Online video rental outfit Netflix has raised its colours in the Blu-ray camp by announcing it will stop buying new HD DVD discs and phase out existing stock by "about the end of the year".

According to Reuters, Netflix has stocked both hi-def formats since they joined battle back in 2006, but says that recent announcements by major studios that they would only publish on Sony's Blu-ray represents "a clear signal from the industry".

Blu-ray now boasts support from Disney, Fox, Lionsgate, MGM, Sony and Warner, while solely Universal and Paramount continue to release exclusively to HD DVD - "for now", as Sony's Blu-ray site puts it.

As well as limited studio support, HD DVD has suffered some serious body blows recently, including Woolworths' announcement earlier this month it would also stock exclusively Blu-ray.